Creamy Shrimp Tortellini with Garlic Sauce Recipe
Introduction
Savor the delightful combination of tender shrimp and cheesy tortellini coated in a rich garlic cream sauce. This quick and easy dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels special without the fuss.
Ingredients
- 12 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 9 oz tortellini (cheese-filled)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Season with salt and pepper.
- Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 5: Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet and gently toss to coat the pasta in the garlic cream sauce.
- Step 6: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a little grated Parmesan cheese over the finished dish.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic while sautéing for a subtle spicy kick.
- Use fresh tortellini if available for a tender and flavorful pasta experience.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water if the sauce has thickened too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works well. Just be sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the sauce.
What type of tortellini is best for this dish?
Cheese-filled tortellini is classic, but you can experiment with spinach or meat-filled varieties based on your preference.
PrintCreamy Shrimp Tortellini with Garlic Sauce Recipe
Shrimp Tortellini with Garlic Sauce is a quick and flavorful dish combining succulent sautéed shrimp with cheese-filled tortellini, all coated in a rich and creamy garlic sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe offers a delightful balance of seafood and pasta with a luscious homemade garlic cream sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Tortellini
- 12 ounces fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
Garlic Cream Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 3-5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 2-3 minutes per side or until the shrimp turns pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Garlic Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine and Finish: Stir grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce until melted and smooth. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss with the sauce. Add the cooked tortellini and gently toss everything together to coat evenly in the garlic cream sauce. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Spoon the shrimp tortellini onto serving plates and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- You can use fresh or frozen tortellini; just adjust cooking time accordingly.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- Adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can give the dish a gentle spicy kick.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Keywords: shrimp tortellini, garlic cream sauce, easy pasta recipes, seafood pasta, quick dinner
